There are many aids and appliances that can make household
tasks more manageable but you are very wise to seek advice first, as it is easy
to spend money on things that are not suitable or are unduly expensive. The
person who can help is the occupational
therapist. Your doctor, hospital specialist or Parkinson’s nurse
specialist, if you have one, should be able to refer you.
Sometimes the solution is not a piece of equipment but
rather a new way of organising your work space or of approaching a task, and occupational
therapists are very skilled in these matters. The therapist may be able to lend
you equipment to try out at home or, may be able to give you details of the
nearest place you can see and try some of the bigger and more expensive items.
If
the occupational therapist decides that adaptations like rails or ramps are
required, then he or she can make a recommendation to the appropriate healthcare
department. There are many variations in the charges made for these aids to
daily living and, if you are worried about the possible costs, be sure to
mention this to the therapist.
